Overview & Reviews

Chevrolet sells an impressively wide range of vehicles, from subcompact hatchbacks to huge vans and SUVs. If you're looking for a reasonably priced vehicle, odds are that Chevy will have something to fit your needs.

Chevrolet got its start in 1911. After William C. Durant had been ousted from General Motors, he joined forces with Swiss-born racecar driver Louis Chevrolet to found the Chevrolet Motor Car Company. The company's first offering was the Classic Six. Introduced in 1912, this five-passenger touring sedan could top 65 mph, fast for the time. Chevrolet's storied bowtie logo -- reportedly inspired by the wallpaper of a Paris hotel room that Durant stayed at -- made its first appearance in 1914.

By 1918, Chevrolet's profitability allowed Durant to purchase enough shares in GM to regain control. Chevrolet became another division of GM, and was its largest volume division by the mid-1920s. By 1927, Chevrolet outsold rival Ford, with sales in excess of 1 million units.

In the mid-1930s Chevrolet introduced independent front suspension, which provided a smoother ride over the rough roads of the day. The 1940s saw continued success with affordable coupes, sedans and pickup trucks catering to American families, farmers and businessmen.

By the mid-1950s, Chevrolet, GM's entry-level division, had added a V8 engine, power steering and brakes, power windows and air-conditioning to its list of available features, allowing luxury for those on a tighter budget. Around this time the iconic Bel Air model -- available in coupe, sedan, convertible and wagon body styles -- proved very popular. The company introduced its alluring Corvette in 1953; the vehicle was the first mass-produced car with a fiberglass body.

The 1960s saw the unveiling of the popular, air-cooled Corvair compact, which held the distinction of being the first domestic production car with all-around independent suspension. That decade also witnessed the launch of the compact Nova, the midsize Chevelle and the sporty Camaro, the latter Chevrolet's answer to the wildly successful Ford Mustang. The Camaro proved an instant hit, comprising 10 percent of Chevrolet's total sales in 1967, its first year of production.

In the 1970s, Chevy responded to changing preferences by introducing small cars like the Vega and the Chevette, and by downsizing larger models such as the Caprice and Malibu. The company combated the market domination of foreign nameplates in the 1980s by rolling out the Cavalier. By the end of that decade, trucks and SUVs had started to become increasingly popular with the general consumer, and the brand's mid- and full-size models continue to this day to be some of the most popular on the road.

The '90s and the early 2000s saw the company raising the performance bar with its Corvette (notably the Z06 and, later, ZR1 variants) and reincarnated Impala SS. Chevrolet's Silverado pickup truck and Tahoe/Suburban SUVs continued to be hits as well. By 2010, the Camaro had returned to the lineup after a seven-year hiatus.

Modern times have seen Chevrolet make significant improvements in its small and midsize car models and introduce the Volt plug-in hybrid. The latter provides a nearly 40-mile range on electric power alone, and adds to the company's already well-rounded lineup of cars, trucks and SUVs. Though today's marketplace is very demanding, Chevrolet seems poised to remain a power player through its affordable and innovative vehicles.

User Reviews:

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  New model traverse! - 2018 Chevrolet Traverse
  By Valerie - February 27 - 1:32 pm

  Great car, I love just about everything about it. The one thing I am disappointed in is the interior color. I dont care for the 2 tone color schemes and black was the only solid. Ive never had a black interior before and now I know why. Its VERY dark. Would never get it again.

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  All- weather sports truck. - 2005 Chevrolet Silverado 1500
  By oleh k - February 27 - 1:43 am

  It is an extremely high performance pickup with 3/4 ton bed capacity, 7500 lb towing capacity, and great handling. Getting a baby seat in the back is easy because the doors open in opposite directions. It doesnt pretend to be anything its not- it is a sport truck that does it all.

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  Bought used - 1999 Chevrolet Silverado 1500
  By Allen Gordon - February 26 - 6:47 pm

  Drives great 4 wheel drive goes anywhere I live in north east Pa..Hills everywhere and I have never been stuck once in the snow or mud and I was just rear ended by a lady on her phone doing 55-60 I need a new bumper and some other minor work, her car is totaled

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  7 year review - 2002 Chevrolet Silverado 1500
  By Tim - February 26 - 5:13 pm

  Bought this truck new in 3-02. Its had power windows replaced and idles a little rough for about two minutes on mornings when the temp is below 35-- doesnt happen too often in Baton Rouge. It now has 100,000 miles on it and was given to my 16 year old son in 5-08. Im frankly surprised at how reliable its been. Mechanics have told me that 200,000 miles of service is attainable with no major engine or tranny work on Chevy and Ford pickups. Cant explain this, but mpg improved from 13.5 city when new to 16.5 today.

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  Great performance for a great value! - 2007 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By cheese9988 - February 25 - 3:13 am

  I have not owned a GM in a while. I must say for the price and for a 4 cylinder car, the performance is great! Handling is sharp, has every feature in most dealer models, the heated leather seats are great. I compared this model to a new Civic and a new Focus, this had more options and is faster for about the same amount. Although I have not had it that long, the build quality seems very good. Another thing to point out, its made in America! My fiance also recently bought a Pontiac G6 and is also very good, I would say one of the best cars they have built in a long time. GM is making some good changes, thier new lineup is more reliable, appeals to the market and still costs less!

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  2006 Monte Carlo - 2006 Chevrolet Monte Carlo
  By Donald D. Starr II - February 25 - 1:30 am

  The vehicle is responsive, solid with no squeaks. It has a very good turning radius. And I feel that it should be listed in the top ten list of cars with high quality. This is my fourth Monte Carlo and the most inproved. And it will run on ethanol or gasoline.

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  Monte Carlo Review - 2003 Chevrolet Monte Carlo
  By Yvonne Hawk - February 24 - 10:00 am

  Since purchasing the Monte Carlo, I have enjoyed its smooth ride and high performance. It has power and I love the vehicle handles. I feel in control of the vehicle and the road while I am driving. This model provides more than adequate room inside and trunk space. I especially, like the sleek, dynamic lines of the model. Very impressive design. Hope is provides years of service.

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  My 5th Chevy - 2003 Chevrolet Impala
  By Larry Clements - February 24 - 10:00 am

  Beautiful, reliable, wonderfull car to own.

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  I love my trailblazer! - 2003 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
  By Jenniffer - February 24 - 10:00 am

  This is an SUV that Ive wanted for a long time but I was too afraid to make the switch from sports car to SUV. I was sure I would flip it over in a week. Instead, i got a vehicle with cargo space, enough horsepower that im not missing out, and the comfort my sports car couldnt give me. I love it!

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  Nifty Truck - 2004 Chevrolet Silverado 1500
  By Nifty - February 24 - 10:00 am

  I have alway driven only Ford trucks and still would if Ford had an AWD or 4- wheel drive with this power. The Lightning is reg. cab and 2-wheel drive and the beautiful HD is 2-wheel drive. This Chevy is very quiet and comfortable and handles great with brakes almost as good as my new Corvette. Im impressed so far.